Lainey Wilson Engagement: Inside Her Relationship with Former NFL QB ‘Duck’ Hodges

Country music star Lainey Wilson is officially engaged. She will marry her longtime boyfriend, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges. The couple announced their happy news in February 2025.

Wilson shared the proposal photos on her Instagram account. The caption perfectly referenced her hit song, “4x4xU forever.” This joyful news confirms the strong bond the pair has built away from the spotlight.

From the Football Field to Real Estate

Devlin “Duck” Hodges is a former professional football player. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers before retiring in 2022. His unique nickname originated during his college days at Samford University.

A coach gave him the name “Duck” as a compliment. Hodges has since embraced it, even becoming a world-champion duck caller. After his NFL career, he transitioned smoothly into a new profession in real estate.

Wilson has often praised his grounded and supportive nature. According to People Magazine, she values that he never comes between her and her demanding career. His stability provides a strong foundation for their life together.

A Private Love Story Goes Public

The couple kept their relationship private for years. They made their first major public appearance at the 2023 Academy of Country Music Awards. This red-carpet debut signaled their comfort in going public.

Wilson later revealed they had been dating for over two and a half years at that point. She joked that she made him wait before going public. Their relationship developed steadily out of the public eye, building a deep connection.

Hodges knew she was the one early on. He recalled a specific moment pulling into her driveway for a date. He told Taste of Country that seeing her at the door made him think, “I think this is it.” Their engagement marks the next chapter in their authentic love story.

The couple’s journey from a private courtship to a public engagement highlights a modern country love story built on mutual respect and shared values. Fans can expect their upcoming marriage to be as genuine and down-to-earth as they are. The Lainey Wilson engagement is a celebration of finding a true partner who supports ambitious dreams.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: How did Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges meet?

The exact details of their first meeting remain private. They had been dating for over two years before making their relationship public in 2023. Wilson has shared humorous stories about their early dates.

Q2: What does Duck Hodges do for a living now?

Devlin “Duck” Hodges is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After retiring from football in 2022, he began a new career as a real estate agent.

Q3: When did Lainey Wilson get engaged?

Lainey Wilson and Duck Hodges announced their engagement in February 2025. The singer shared the news on Instagram with a series of photos from the proposal moment.

Q4: What is the meaning behind their engagement announcement?

Wilson’s caption, “4x4xU forever,” is a direct nod to her hit song “4×4.” The phrase cleverly combines her music with a lifelong commitment to her partner, Hodges.

Q5: Why is Duck Hodges called ‘Duck’?

He earned the nickname from a coach during his college football career. The coach said Hodges reminded him of a former player he liked who had the same nickname.